The Manila Sound is back

MANILA, Philippines - What is the difference between Manila Sound and OPM (Original Pilipino Music)? OPM is a generalization of music with Pinoy origins while Manila Sound is a specific music genre that started in the ’70s. Manila Sound is OPM but not all OPM can be called Manila Sound.

Manila Sound was an innovative movement in the early ’70s pioneered by brothers Dennis and Rene Garcia of Hotdog to define the sound of the ’70s decade. The movement produced a bumper crop of hits and standards that even four decades later, Pinoys still clamor for. Some people say that the ’70s was the Golden Age of Pinoy music.

Come Sept. 6, the stars of Manila Sound are uniting for a one-night hits-filled concert Then and Now at the grand ballroom of Solaire Resort & Casino. The Then portion will feature actor, politician and original lead singer of Hagibis Sonny Parsons; Sampaguita; Gary Arriola and Bob Guzman of Boyfriends; original VST & Co. member Male Rigor; and the Rex band with Carlo Gaa as MD performing Hagibis hits such as Katawan, Legs, Ilagay Mo Kid, Nanggigigil Kami; Sampaguita anthems Bonggahan, Laguna, Nosi Balasi; Boyfriends favorites Sumayaw Sumunod, Dahil Mahal Kita, Nais Kong Malalaman Mo, Bakit Labis Kitang Mahal; VST & Co. sellers Awitin Mo Isasayaw Ko, Rock Baby Rock, Ipagpatawad Mo, Tayo’y Magsayawan and many more. The Now portion features Mark Mabasa and friends performing Manila Sound classics like Handog, Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko, Isang Mundo Isang Awit, TL Ako Sa ’Yo, Macho Gwapito, etc. The nearly three-hour concert will highlight nonstop renditions of the dance and upbeat songs, and the audience is encouraged to stand up, dance and enjoy.

Manila Sound Then and Now is proudly presented by Solaire Resort & Casino, Steve O’ Neal Productions and MediaSync. Tickets are on sale at Ticketworld, SM Tickets, SM Malls, National Bookstores, Ayala Malls, Robinsons and the concierge at Solaire Resort & Casino.